Demyelination occurs following many neurological insults, most notably in multiple sclerosis (MS). Therapeutics that promote remyelination could slow the neurological decline associated with chronic demyelination; however, in vivo testing of candidate small molecule drugs and signaling cascades known to impact myelination is expensive and labor intensive. Here, we describe the development of a novel zebrafish line which uses the putative promoter of Myelin Protein Zero (mpz), a major structural protein in myelin, to drive expression of Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (mEGFP) specifically in the processes and nascent internodes of myelinating glia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMyelin plays a critical role in proper neuronal function by providing trophic and metabolic support to axons and facilitating energy-efficient saltatory conduction. Myelination is influenced by numerous molecules including growth factors, hormones, transmembrane receptors and extracellular molecules, which activate signaling cascades that drive cellular maturation. Key signaling molecules and downstream signaling cascades controlling myelination have been identified in cell culture systems.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe extravasation of lymphocytes across central nervous system (CNS) vascular endothelium is a key step in inflammatory demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) and its receptor, CD44, have been implicated in this process but their precise roles are unclear. We find that CD44(-/-) mice have a delayed onset of EAE compared with wild type animals.
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